PHS Staff
Mary Ann Acosta, Director of Operations
Mary Ann brings her exuberance and knowledge to PHS as its first Director of Operations. She has a long history of non-profit management and currently works as an instructor at UMassGlobal in organizational development. An 8-year resident of Poulsbo, Mary Ann joined PHS to assist the organization in its growth and creativity.
Jessica Wall, Education Outreach Coordinator
Jessica’s background and education in anthropology and cultural sustainability led her to become involved in PHS. Using her creativity, along with her interest in local history and preservation, Jessica has provided local families and visitors with unique hands-on experiences and programs to learn about Poulsbo and its’ past. Along with her PHS duties, she volunteers with the North Kitsap School District and stalks orcas in Puget Sound.
Kathy Holodnak, Gift Shop Coordinator
As a local retail store owner for 33 years, Kathy has a sharp eye for merchandise to enhance the visitor experience in the Maritime Museum gift shop. Kathy also works for Historic Downtown Poulsbo Association (HDPA) and was drawn volunteering at the Maritime Museum through her HDPA work. A 27-year resident of Poulsbo, Kathy makes amazing birdhouses, reads and gardens in her free time.
Board of Directors
Board President
She and Tom have been long time members of the Poulsbo Yacht Club and held leadership positions, Tom as Commodore and Patty as a Board member and Secretary for many years. Patty helped organize and has been dedicated to the PYC Junior Sailing Program for 23 years helping introduce young people to the skills and joys of sailing on Liberty Bay.
Patty is very proud to follow in tom’s footsteps to become President of the PHS. They are both vested in helping to share the history of Poulsbo and the surrounding areas with current and future generations. They have been very involved in helping PHS to acquire, design, and upgrade the facilities to make sharing the history possible.
Immediate Past President
Capital Campaign Chair
Board Treasurer
Raised in Poulsbo, Liesl has strong family ties to the Poulsbo Historical Society. Her grandfather was Captain Ed Shields who sailed the Pacific Cod Fish Company schooners to Alaska in search of cod for salting. She graduated from Washington State University in 1990 with a degree in Chemical Engineering, and went on to have a long career with the Dow Chemical Company in California, retiring in 2021. In 2013 she was able to move back to Poulsbo with her husband and children. Always supporting the Poulsbo Historical Society, she agreed to serve on the board, and as Treasurer since January of 2021.
Board Secretary
Board Member
A resident of Poulsbo for 25 years, Lora works as a real estate agent with Windermere. She and her husband raised their three children in Poulsbo. Lora is excited to share Poulsbo’s story with multiple generations of locals and visitors. In her free time, Lora enjoys cooking, gardening, walking, reading and spending time with her family.
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Shannon Turner
Board Member
Shannon Turner is the Community Development Administrator at Peninsula Community Health Services. He has served as a Washington Executive Legislative Assistant and worked construction management. He was student body president at Olympic College and is now active in the NAACP Bremerton Chapter.